Kitchener’s Nicolas Hague celebrated by former school after Stanley Cup victory

Another hometown hero was honoured Wednesday.

Las Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Nicolas Hague can now call himself an Stanley Cup champion after Vegas defeated the Florida Panthers four games to one.

However, Hague’s roots take him back to Westheights Public School, the place he attended as a student.

Words congratulating Hague could be seen on the front message board of the school Wednesday morning and social media posts on the schools page highlighted the victory.

CityNews 570 spoke with some of his former teachers including Brad Johnston, Hague’s Phys Ed. teacher who said he, and the rest of the rest of the school are overjoyed by his performance.

“Everyone here is just so proud of him. We followed his career pretty closely, he comes from such a solid foundation with Bob and Shelia, his parents. It’s been great to see his development and everyone here is beaming with pride.”

Johnston went on to speak to Hague’s character as a student, an athlete and a person during his time at Westheights.

“He was just an all-around great athlete. We had a hockey club here at Westheights and would go to the Wilmot rec complex once a week. He played basketball here, football, volleyball, really all the sports. All-around he was great athlete but, also a great student and a great person.”

Johnston said, he’ll be reaching out to Hague soon to congratulate him personally.

Rob Knorr, another of Hague’s teachers while wearing his Vegas jersey shared his reaction to the Stanley Cup win.

“Shocked, thrilled, over the moon. When you get to be my age you’re never sure when the team that you love will get another chance to raise the cup.”

Knorr also shared a simple but straightforward message for Hague.

“Enjoy the moment, enjoy your day with the cup, you’ve earned it.”

Rob Knorr, former teacher of Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Nicholas Hague. June 14th, 2023.

Brock Greenhalgh, guidance councillor and former teacher of Hague said, his success is an inspiration to other Westheights students.

“We talk with the student’s all the time about goal setting and about how to reach those goals. When we can use examples of students that have been before them, in those classrooms and in those seats we can say, here are people that have come before you and reached those goals.”

Greenhalgh said, Hague has comeback to Westheights before to meet students and said his hope is Hague will bring the cup back to Kitchener, to celebrate.

Vegas Golden Knights defenceman Nic Hague is now a NHL champion. His former school Westheights Public is celebrating the victory today. Rob Knorr, one of his former teachers could be seen wearing his Vegas jersey and says to Nic “Just enjoy it. You’ve earned it.” @CityNewsKIT pic.twitter.com/QKtmfeQfht

— Brent Cater (@BrentCaterRadio) June 14, 2023